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Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Solatube FAQ page! To quickly find answers to your questions, click a topic in the side menu or enter a question in the search box below. Still can't find what you're looking for? Send us your question directly by contacting us.

Will a Solatube Daylighting System work with a Solatube Light and Ventilation Add-On Kit at the same time?

Yes. The Solatube® Light and Ventilation Kits can be added to the Solatube Daylighting System 160 DS model to create a dynamic 3-in-1 fixture that includes daylighting, night lighting and venting functions in one ceiling location.

How quiet is the Solatube Ventilation Add-On Kit and does it have a sones rating?

The Solatube® Ventilation Add-On Kit features an in-line fan motor assembly that is remotely mounted in the attic or plenum rather than on the ceiling of the room to be vented. This significantly reduces the noise level in the room below.

At this time, there are no sones (sound) level test standards available for this product due to the number of variables involved with its installation, such as:

Type of duct

Length of duct

In-line fan motor assembly distance from intake source

However, it is generally accepted that remote-mounted venting is usually quieter than in-room venting.

Can the dome be raised higher above the roof?

All flashings or curb caps can be modified by adding a turret extension. It raises the height of the dome to avoid snow, rain runoff, and shading from roof obstructions like mechanical units or parapet walls. The turret extension also allows the dome to clear thick roofing materials or insulation.Turret extensions are available in 2 in. (50 mm), 4 in. (100 mm), 12 in. (300 mm), 24 in. (600 mm), 36 in. (900 mm) and 48 in. (1,200 mm) heights. See Product Selection Guide for specifics.

Keep in mind a turret extension must still be lined with Spectralight® Infinity Tubing. In the case of Solatube® Daylighting Systems 160 DS and 290 DS models, addition of a turret extension may require a Spectralight Infinity 0-90 degree angle adapter.

Is there a Ventilation Kit available?

The Solatube® Daylighting System 160 DS is available with an attractive optional Solatube Ventilation Add-On Kit. When the Solatube 160 DS is combined with a Ventilation Add-On Kit and a Solatube Light Add-On Kit, it becomes an attractive 3-in-1 ceiling fixture.

Quiet, remote in-line fan motor with opposing rotation to overcome pressure and increase speed and volume of airflow, even under extended duct runs

You can get day and night lighting in one unit with the revolutionary Solatube® Smart LED™ System. Uniting daylighting with LEDs, it can save you up to 94% in energy costs. Featuring proprietary SunSense™ Technology, the system monitors daylight levels and allows the LEDs to activate automatically only when needed. The optional Occupancy Sensor makes the system even more energy efficient by preventing the LEDs from turning on unless an underlit area is occupied.

For the Solatube Brighten Up® Series, you can also get day and night lighting using one of our light kit options that can be wired to a wall switch.

Compact Fluorescent Light Add-On Kit

Add a dedicated compact fluorescent fixture to use with the Solatube Daylighting System as a recessed light fixture at night. Accepts one 26-watt compact fluorescent lamp (GX24q-3 Base, 26W 4-pin). Meets California Title 24 bath light requirements. Two fixtures may be used with the Solatube Daylighting System 290 DS.

The Solatube® Daylighting System captures ambient light so well that you can actually see a nice glow from your fixture on full-moon nights. If you prefer, you always have the option to add a Solatube Daylight Dimmer to block out unwanted light.

How much air can the Solatube Ventilation Add-on Kit move?

A typical bathroom fan will move about 50 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM). The proprietary fan / motor in the Solatube® Ventilation Add-on Kit is rated at 110 CFM (3 cubic meters per minute), which means it is more than twice as effective at clearing air than a standard fan.

What does the Solatube Decorative Fixture or diffuser look like on the ceiling for Solatube Daylighting Systems and Solatube Smart LED Systems?

Solatube® International, Inc. has a full line of Solatube Decorative Fixtures designed to effectively diffuse natural light throughout a room while enhancing the look of the interior. Combining the beauty of glass and the vibrancy of daylight, Solatube Decorative Fixtures come in a variety of models, ranging from sleek, low-profile designs that sit flush to the ceiling to more decorative styles featuring contemporary fabric and stunning geometric shapes.

Also available is the Classic Vusion™ Diffuser, which features a sleek dress ring that transitions the lens to the ceiling with a beveled edge.

Solatube Decorative Fixtures can also be paired with Solatube Effect Lenses, which control light color and intensity. With the “Warm” Effect Lens, light color can be altered from its natural state to one that mimics the “warm” hue of incandescent lighting. To modify light intensity, the “Softening” Effect Lens can be used to reduce glare that is typical in extremely sunny climates. Lenses can also be used together to adjust the light color and intensity simultaneously.

Is there a way to turn off or "block out" a Solatube Daylighting System?

Yes, the Solatube® Daylight Dimmer controls the amount of natural light entering a room. Utilizing a patented butterfly baffle design and a convenient wall-mounted switch, it allows the user to adjust light levels simply and easily anywhere between 100% and 2% daylight. Designed for both residential and commercial applications, it’s perfect for bedrooms, family rooms, offices, classrooms and conference rooms. The Daylight Dimmer is available for the Solatube Daylighting System 160 DS and 290 DS, the Solatube Smart LED™ System, and the Solatube SolaMaster® 330 DS and 750 DS. The Daylight Dimmer can also be integrated with an overall lighting control system. For more details, click here for the Daylight Dimmer Integration Guide.